Unionists protest change of Labour Day public holiday

HUNDREDS of enraged union members have surrounded the Attorney-General's office in Brisbane, prompting a building lockdown.

The unionists chanted "Jarrod Bleijie hear us say, May Day stays in bloody May", as they walked through the CBD this morning before surrounding the front entrance to the Law Building on Ann St.

Police surrounded the vocal crowd outside Mr Bleijie's building this morning while employees waited outside as the doors had to be locked.

The show of union defiance comes on the first Monday in May, a day usually reserved as the Labour Day public holiday.

The Newman Government made the decision last year to move May Day to October, in line with other states, instead of moving the Queen's Birthday holiday.

But unions proceeded to celebrate May Day over the weekend, holding various community events around Queensland and a large march through the Brisbane CBD on Sunday.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard also made an appearance and stated Queenslanders should not have to put up with public sector cutbacks.

"We are going to oppose them, we are going to fight them, and that is why we're here today," she told the crowd on Sunday.

Queensland Council of Unions president John Battams claimed the record turn out to Labor Day events showed the dissatisfaction with the Queensland Government.

"Queenslanders across the state have had enough of a government that introduces major law changes affecting their rights at work," Mr Battams said.

"And union members, their families and their many supporters in the community will continue to march in May to celebration the many achievements of the labour movement for the Queensland and Australian community," he said.